Sackville council wants public cannabis information session convened

Sackville town council is looking for more information from the province on the legalization of cannabis products, set to come into effect this fall.

Questions mount over legal pot

SACKVILLE, N.B. – With legalization of cannabis products set to come into effect this fall, Sackville town council is looking for more information from the province on the process and any potential ramifications for local residents.

“Some people are concerned about how it may impact them, and people also need to know what laws need to be followed,” said Coun. Megan Mitton at a recent council meeting. “Basically, we want our citizens to understand how this will impact our town.”

Council asked the mayor to contact New Brunswick Health Minister Benoit Bourque, requesting the province host a public information session in Sackville to help better inform residents on what to expect when cannabis is legalized.

Mitton said with a retail outlet ready to open its doors in Sackville, she has been fielding concerns and questions from the community.

“Our residents need more information about how the legalization of cannabis might affect them,” she said.

Mitton said although a new Cannabis Act is set to be adopted across the country Oct. 17, there has been little information released to the public – including for local stakeholders and various community organizations and agencies.

The federal government has been responsible for the regulating, licensing and development of rules and has held consultation sessions with other levels of government, health organizations, and potential producers ahead of the legalization. The provincial government has been developing a framework around the legislation, which addresses such areas as retail environment, education and awareness, and workplace safety.